Whether you’re sheltered in place with mom, connecting with her on Zoom or just holding her close in your thoughts, you might want to sneak a TV show or two into your Mother’s Day plans.
With that in mind, here are a few options. They include three program events specifically debuting on Mother’s Day this Sunday, and a couple of binge-streaming options that have been around for a while:
—“The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II” — What a simple, yet incredibly fun, idea. Round up some celebrities — along with their families — to perform classic Disney tunes in their homes, while encouraging viewers to give their own vocal cords a workout.
ABC struck ratings gold in April with an initial version. Now comes the follow-up with appearances by Billy Eichner, Josh Gad, Donald Glover, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Idina Menzel, Miguel, Keke Palmer, Ben Platt, Seth Rogen, Anika Noni Rose, Rebel Wilson, Shakira and more.
We don’t know what will make the song list this time around, but we’d be disappointed if it didn’t include “Baby Mine,” the touching lullaby sung as Dumbo is cradled in his mother’s trunk. Which reminds us, “Dumbo” — both the old and new versions — are available on Disney+. (7 p.m. EDT Sunday, ABC).
—”Mom-a-Thon” — To celebrate Mother’s Day, HGTV is presenting a binge-worthy extravaganza featuring specially selected episodes from “Rock the Block,” “Good Bones” and “Home Town” that showcase the network’s expert mothers as they demo, reimagine, rehab, rebuild and transform homes.
It all culminates with the new special “Renovate Like a Mother,” featuring expectant mothers Jasmine Roth and Mina Starsiak Hawk. During the self-shot program, Jasmine shares her own pregnancy footage, and Mina chats about her IVF journey and second pregnancy. (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT Sunday, HGTV).
—”Call Your Mother” — Hearty laughs mix with warm memories in this timely documentary featuring interviews with comedians who discuss the bond they share with the parent they credit with being their greatest inspiration.
Among the jokesters appearing in the film are Louie Anderson, Awkwafina, Jimmy Carr, Bridget Everett, Rachel Feinstein, Judah Friedlander, Jim Gaffigan, Judy Gold, Norm Macdonald, Jim Norton, Tig Notaro, Yvonne Orji, Kristen Schaal, David Spade and others. (10 p.m. EDT Sunday, Comedy Central).
—”Babies” — Both longtime mothers and moms-to-be will appreciate this lovingly crafted, six-part documentary series. It follows 15 infants over their first year, while providing commentary from neurological and behavioral experts who reveal how infants figure out and navigate this strange world they’ve entered.
We could have done with a little less science and lots more footage of tiny, adorable tots as they bond with their parents. But “Babies” has its fair share of delightful rewards. (Currently streaming on Netflix).
—“Gilmore Girls” — It was the preeminent mother-daughter TV series of its time and Amy Sherman-Palladino’s dramedy remains fresh and lively in a second, or third rewatch.
Fiercely independent single mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham) raises her gifted, Ivy League-bound daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) in the charming berg of Stars Hollow. Cue the wit, wisdom and rapid-fire repartee. As ardent fans might say, it’s more than a show. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s a religion.”
You can start at the very beginning with the season 1 pilot, or skip ahead to 2016’s four-part revival, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” (Currently streaming on Netflix).
—BONUS SELECTION: In what could be construed as a demented joke, IFC is airing the 1981 film “Mommie Dearest” all day long on Sunday. It might be worth watching Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway) in terrifying action, if only to help you realize that your mom isn’t that bad, after all.
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